[VAC] 61 Bambi Hitch

[wescott50@xxxxxxxxx (Bill Scott)]

Hi Katleen, and welcome to the VAC discussion list.  According to the
specs in the 1961 Bambi sales brochure, your hitch weight is only 180
lbs., and the height should be 16 1/2 inches at the top of the ball.  It
is important to have the coach level while towing.  If your fresh water
tank, 20 gal is full while towing, the hitch weight will be increased
somewhat.  If you want to add a Reese equalizer hitch, it is your call,
but may not help.   I have pulled my 61 Bambi with a Reese hitch and
bars and without.   Hard to tell the difference.  If your tow vehicle is
substantial, a drop hitch from your receiver will probably be adequate.
What is more important, especially since your hitch ball coupler is
about 40 years old, have the coupler checked for wear, and you may want
to replace it.   The ball and the coupler do wear out, and the stress on
the ball, with heavier loads, may cause the ball to break with age and
stress.    If you do buy an equalizer hitch, it should be the smallest
one.  Your Bambi is fairly light, 1850 lbs, dry and up to 2900 lbs
loaded, (or more).  Travel light, and don't add a bunch of junk to the
rear end.  Keep it balanced, and keep the weight low for a lower center
of gravity.  Be sure your safety chains are adequate, and hooked up
properly.

The top lid on your battery box, will have to be fabricated.  Any good
sheet metal shop can easily make one for you.  Use 2024 T3 Aluminum.  If
you have no sheet metal shop that can do the work, try any good airport
in the Bay Area where you live, and ask the local Airframe and
Powerplant Mechanics where to get a new lid fabricated.

Good Luck.

Bill Scott
61 Bambi, VAC & WBCCI #3221
1VP & Membership Chairman , WDCU
http://www.servintfree.net/wbcci-dc/